Jets' Mark Sanchez doesn't have much competition

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan summed up the struggles of rookie quarterback Geno Smith with just one word on Wednesday: "Brutal."

Ryan told reporters after practice that Smith had "his worst day" and looked "uncomfortable", throwing three interceptions among several bad balls. The coach, however, still hasn't decided on a starting QB for Saturday's second preseason game against Jacksonville, but it's hard to think it will be Smith.

According to Ryan, Smith still isn't 100 percent from the right ankle injury he suffered in the preseason opener against Detroit. His mobility was limited as he took the first-team reps, but Ryan tied Smith's rash of mental mistakes to "bravado."

If Smith doesn't suit up for the Jaguars, it would be because of his health, Ryan added. It's becoming clear that Smith isn't ready to be an NFL starter while learning the Jets' offense, and it would take a major meltdown for incumbent Mark Sanchez not to win the job now.

Smith already has been shaky, and regression isn't a good sign this late in training camp. The Jets are trying to dance around the fact Smith is well behind Sanchez, but they can't have it both ways—not blaming the ankle for Smith's woes and then using the ankle to keep him out because he's not good enough.

Sanchez had a interception returned for a touchdown against the Lions, but otherwise showed a good handle of the offense and rebounded to lead the Jets on a scoring drive. That effort alone is miles ahead of what the green Smith has been able to do. In that same game, Smith went 6-of-7 for 47 yards, but left the game when he rolled his ankle while scrambling.